Should I take AP Stats or AP Calc AB? (2024)

FAQs

Is AP Stats harder than AP Calc AB? ›

While AP Statistics is not the easiest AP class, it is also not the most difficult. In fact, when compared to other AP math classes, like Calculus AB and BC, AP Statistics is often considered the easier option.

1 answer. It depends on if you are going to college to study a STEM field or Humanities. If you want to be an engineering or science major, then you want to take AP Calc now and that will serve a double purpose.

Elite colleges often filter applications by a single high school course: calculus. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT have lost importance, making calculus even more important for some admission officers. Acing calculus gives your college app a competitive edge, but colleges' reliance on calc is problematic.

If your schedule allows you to be flexible and take more classes, we encourage you to take both AP Cal and AP Stat and then take the tests. If you score high on both examinations, you will be able to transfer credits to college. Your major in college may determine whether you need to take all three AP tests.

It's important to consider your own strengths, interests, and academic goals when deciding on which courses to take. If you're not particularly strong in math but still want to challenge yourself, AP Stats might be a good option for you.

Do colleges care about AP Statistics? Yes, colleges favor students who boast hard-won high test scores in difficult subjects like AP Statistics.

Generally, you can expect AP Statistics to be an average-difficulty AP class, and likely the easiest of the AP math classes.

Perhaps the most important benefit of taking the AP® Statistics exam is the financial benefit. Since you get college credit for passing the AP® Statistics exam, this means you won't have to pay for college credit hours to take the course. You can use your AP® credits to graduate early or explore a minor.

We recommend taking a high-level Calculus class. This could be AP, IB, BC, Honors, etc. Most med schools require advanced Calculus and Statistics when it comes to math.

Should You Take AB Calculus Instead? Even though you often get more college credit for BC Calculus, taking AB Calculus can be a great option as well. You will still get a calculus background that'll set you up for college math.

Can I take AP Stats without pre-calc? ›

A: Seniors are eligible for AP Stats if they have successfully completed Algebra 2. Juniors may only take AP Stats if they have already taken Precalculus, or if they take Precalculus concurrently. AP Stats may not be taken as a replacement for Precalculus for Juniors.

AP Statistics, on the other hand, is an introductory course in statistical analysis and interpretation. Its difficulty level is usually considered lower than AP Calculus, but the workload can still be intensive. It's a great choice if you're interested in fields like social sciences, business, or data analysis.

AP Statistics

Stat teaches quantitative literacy which is super important for things like medication calculations and measurements. Nurses usually take a good amount of classes that use statistical analysis before they graduate and AP Stat gives you a great base.

On a weighted scale, a B in an AP class would equate to a 4.0 weighted GPA, so it will not hurt your overall GPA too much. Colleges normally set a benchmark GPA that, if you meet it, then you are good.

Is AP Stats Easy Or Hard? AP Statistics is considered quite easy, with class alumnae rating it 4.9/10 for overall difficulty (the 18th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is about average vs other AP classes, with 60% graduating with a 3 or higher.

Some students might find Calculus harder, while others might struggle more with Statistics. It's highly personal, so talk to your teachers and peers to help you make the best decision.

Finally, AP Calculus BC is the toughest AP math exam, if not one of the hardest AP exams period. AP Calculus AB is also challenging, but covers less material and moves more slowly.